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Dear Othermother

By  Amber Akaunu 2025

Editor: Emma van den Berg

It takes a village to raise a child, or in this case, a best friend.

'Dear Othermother' is a 25-minute creative documentary that interweaves letter writing, personal memory, and conversation to explore chosen families in Toxteth, Liverpool.

Two duos of best friends reveal how friendship and community sustain them as single mothers, creating love, connection, and belonging beyond traditional family structures.

Artist Statement:

"I was raised by a single mother who built her own village consisting of her dearest friends who shared their love and resources with me. That experience shaped how I understand family, not as structure, but as care.

'Dear Othermother' honours women, like my mother's friends, and explores the pain, beauty and magic of building community through necessity."

Photo: Stuart Whipps

Photo: Stuart Whipps

Screenshot 2026 05 23 at 10 19 48 1779527998 Amber Akaunu

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